Cost of Living in an Apartment vs. House in Fullerton

By Thomas Greer | Published: June 7, 2025

Renting vs. Owning in Fullerton: What You’ll Pay

Couple on apartment balcony looking at suburban houses in Fullerton, CA at sunset — For many Fullerton residents, the choice between renting an apartment or buying a house is both financial and emotional.

When comparing the cost of living in an apartment vs house in Fullerton, the first factor to consider is rent or mortgage payments. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Fullerton is around $2,100 per month. The average rent for a 3-bedroom house in Fullerton is $2,800 per month. Mortgage payments on a median-priced home are similar, assuming a 20% down payment.

Of course, these are just averages. Actual housing costs vary based on location, age, amenities, and other factors. Newer luxury apartments in desirable areas command higher rents. Likewise, larger homes in prime neighborhoods come with heftier price tags and property taxes. It’s important to evaluate your specific needs and budget when deciding between renting an apartment or buying a house in Fullerton.

Cost Comparison Table: Apartment vs House

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of common monthly costs in Fullerton:

Expense	2BR Apartment	3BR House
Rent/Mortgage*	$2,100	$2,800
Utilities	$120	$250
Internet	$60	$60
Renter’s/Homeowner’s Insurance	$15	$80
Maintenance & Repairs	$0	$150
HOA Fees	$0	$250
Total	$2,295	$3,590

*Based on median prices and 20% down. Estimates are for mid-range units with typical usage.

Utility and Upkeep Differences

In addition to higher base rents or mortgage payments, houses in Fullerton typically come with higher utility bills. Key differences include:

Water – Watering a lawn and garden can add $50+/month
Electricity – Larger square footage means higher A/C and heating costs
Gas – Multiple furnaces or a gas stove increase natural gas usage
Trash & Recycling – Some apartments include this; homeowners pay extra

Houses also require more hands-on upkeep. Homeowners are responsible for all maintenance, repairs, and improvement costs. Mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters, and servicing the HVAC system are just a few of the routine tasks. Many Fullerton homes have older roofs, plumbing, and electrical that will eventually need updating. Proactive maintenance is key to avoiding costly emergency repairs.

Lifestyle Tradeoffs

Finances are just one piece of the puzzle when choosing between an apartment or house in Fullerton. Lifestyle fit is equally important. Houses offer more space and privacy but require constant upkeep. Apartments are lower-maintenance but come with shared walls and less control.

Many Fullerton residents choose apartments for walkability, while families prefer houses for yard space. Young professionals like the flexibility of renting. Parents with kids in school prioritize location and square footage. Other tradeoffs include pet policies, parking options, commute times, and community amenities. It’s a highly personal decision based on your stage of life and goals.

Which Is Cheaper Long-Term in Fullerton?

On a monthly basis, renting an apartment in Fullerton is almost always cheaper than owning a comparable house. But does that hold true long-term? If you plan to stay put for 5+ years, buying may be the better financial move.

Let’s assume a $400,000 house with 20% down. At a 3% interest rate, the monthly mortgage would be around $2,500 including taxes and insurance. Over 5 years, that’s $150,000 in payments – but $50,000 would go toward the principal. Assuming 2% annual appreciation, the house would be worth $441,000. So the net cost of ownership is around $109,000.

Renting an apartment for $2,100/month over that same period would cost $126,000. There’s no equity or appreciation to offset the expense. Of course, this simple example doesn’t account for maintenance, HOA fees, closing costs, or rent increases. Generally, the longer you own a home, the more financially advantageous it becomes compared to renting.

FAQs About Housing Costs in Fullerton

How much more does a house cost per month?
On average, houses in Fullerton cost $700 more per month than apartments when you factor in mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance.

Do houses always have higher utility bills?
Houses typically have higher utility costs than apartments due to larger square footage, yards, and older systems. But energy-efficient upgrades can help reduce bills.

Are apartments cheaper even with pet rent?
Even with pet rent and deposits, apartments in Fullerton are usually cheaper than houses when you consider the all-in monthly costs of ownership.

Making the Right Housing Choice in Fullerton

So is it better to rent an apartment or buy a house in Fullerton? Ultimately, it depends on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans. Renting offers flexibility and predictable monthly costs. Buying builds equity but comes with more responsibility. Take time to crunch the numbers and weigh the tradeoffs.

For a deeper dive into the cost of living in Fullerton, check out these resources:

Whether you choose an apartment or house, Fullerton offers diverse neighborhoods and housing options to fit a variety of needs. The key is finding the right balance of cost, space, and amenities to match your ideal lifestyle.